Massie files privileged impeachment articles against Hegseth over Iran actions

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has filed privileged articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of conducting hostilities against Iran without congressional authorization and defying Congress’s war-powers authority. Massie read the articles on the House floor, alleging violations of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, continued military action beyond statutory deadlines, and unnecessary civilian casualties; the resolution also raises allegations involving U.S. operations in Venezuela, Yemen and an anti-drug campaign at sea. Because the resolution is privileged, the House must take it up within two legislative days, though Republican leaders could move to table it, and the effort is unlikely to succeed. The impeachment push could nevertheless force Republicans to take a public position on an Iran war that polls indicate is unpopular and that has contributed to higher fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. The Pentagon defended Hegseth, saying the department remains unified behind his leadership, while Massie—an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump’s Iran policy—is leaving Congress after losing his Republican primary.